STREAM OF PASSION is a female fronted Symphonic Metal / Progressive Metal /Gothic Metal band from The Netherlands / Mexico founded by guitarist Arjen Anthony Lucassen and Mexican singer and violinist Marcela Bovio. The band has released: "Embrace the Storm" in 2005, "The Flame Within" in 2009 and "Darker Days" in 2011. "A War of Our Own" is the fourth studio album by the Dutch Metallers released on April 18, 2014.

My favourite track is "A War Of Our Own". This titled track has inside all what draws attention - gentle piano, violin, Progressive rhythmic section, vocalist singing in higher climate in refrain a 'la EVANESCENCE, and a chorus with melody, Gothic climate and Symphonic elements. Vocalist Marcela Bovio has a fantastic voice, she connects very well high Symphonic vocals with the calm and mysterious atmosphere. What an impressive atmosphere & gorgeous singing in "For You", with an accompaniment of gentle piano! Also brilliant is "Autophobia" with deep and gentle singing. The vocalist's voice shows emotion with WITHIN TEMPTATION echoes, and heavier riffs add flavour this song. Nice symphonic elements, melodic refrain in climate of LACUNA COIL, EPICA, DELAIN or SYMPHONY X create wonderful atmosphere!

Opening "Monster" is genial with gentle violin, stronger guitars, progressive change rhythmic setion like in DREAM THEATER songs, symphonic sounds, elements of oriental sounds, and chorus in higher climate with similarity to WITHIN TEMPTATION. Heavier riffs with mix of calm piano are in "Secrets" and that produces a sound comparable to mix of EVANESCENCE and MUSE. What a beautiful solo is in this song! I was impressed by the two songs sang in foreign language: "Delirio" and "Exile". Both of them are special on their own way. The first of them is a mix of calm and stronger riffs, but the second of them has an amazing progressive rhythmic section with fabulous piano - that shows how the guys can connect all of the opposite sounds. Just listen to the bonus tack "The Distance Between Us" which is built of growing atmosphere with symphonic elements and what a gorgeous solo which make a goose-flesh.

Worth to listen are also: "The Curse" with lower tune of riffs in Heavy Metal style, violins, piano and melodious choir singing, "Don't Let Go" with gentle vocals, calm climate which changes into stronger sounds, also incredible guitar solo, powerful "Burning Star" with faster drums, piano, heavy lower guitars even with KORN echoes.

STREAM OF PASSION is an excellent band and the production of album is on high level, inside are power, energy, and melody! Their music shows experience of musicians in Symphonic Metal with modern echoes with Progressive and Gothic elements. I'm nicely impressed how they could connect heaviness with heavenly gentleness. Highly recommend to every Symphonic and Progressive Metal fan.